A Basic Guide to Oral Health – 5 Best Practices

We all have a duty to take care of ourselves and we make dental check-up appointments every few months to take a proactive approach to oral health, while at the same time, following a good oral health regime.

Here are a few best practices for optimum oral health.

  1. Choose an efficient toothbrush – The ideal toothbrush is one with a small and flexible head; semi hard bristles give the best results and we advise you to go with a top band when it comes to a toothbrush. Daily brushing impacts the bristles and changing every few months is a good idea; keep an eye of the condition of the bristles. You could ask your dentist in Sydney CBD about toothbrushes and they would have a range for sale at their clinic.
  2. Effective brushing technique – Effective brushing involves changing direction; from up and down to across and some oblique angles to ensure brushing the gumline. Don’t rush the brushing, rather explore different ways to move the brush head and don’t scrub hard as this can cause gum bleeding.
  3. Flossing – We all know that flossing catches the food residue trapped between teeth and you should floss after every brush; morning, after breakfast, lunch and dinner ad finally just before bed. If you are unsure about your flossing technique, there are some cool animations online to show you correct techniques and with a bit of practice, flossing will soon become second nature. Here are a few daily practices that are important for a healthy lifestyle.
  4. Antiseptic mouthwash – Using mouthwash after every brush and floss removes a lot of bacteria, which reduces the risk of tooth decay. It also freshens your breath, which is why most people keep a mini bottle in their office drawer, which you can use after drinking tea or coffee. The more rigorous, the better, force the liquid between the teeth and if you can manage 10 minutes, that’s great! This will soon become second nature and your breath will always be fresh.
  5. Regular oral examinations – Most people book a check-up every 4-6 months, this allows the dentist to closely examine you orally and should there be any issues, prompt treatment is advised. The dentist might not find any issues and may offer advice for the future; let’s not forget that a dental clinic has many cosmetic dental treatments if you want a nicer or straighter smile.

If you have recently moved to a new area and have yet to register with a dentist, this should be a priority and we hope this article helps you to gain a deeper understanding of best oral health practices. Once you are registered, you can make 6-monthly appointments for check-ups and if there are ever any issues, make an appointment as soon as you can.